Rastko Ajtić

Dr. Rastko Ajtić


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

7Years (2020-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
1 January 2020 in Bulletin of the Natural History Museum
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AUAleksandar Urošević
Aleksandar Urošević
LTLjiljana Tomović
Ljiljana Tomović
Jelka Crnobrnja-IsailovićJelka Crnobrnja-Isailović
Jelka Crnobrnja-Isailović
IKImre Krizmanić
Imre Krizmanić
RARastko Ajtić
Rastko Ajtić
GDGeorg Džukić
Georg Džukić
U ovom radu, prikazujemo ažurirane podatke o distribuciji kompleksa vrsta slepića (Anguis fragilis complex) u Srbiji. Podaci se sastoje iz nalaza objavljenih u literaturi ili na Internetu, zajedno sa prethodno neobjavljenim distribucionim podacima sakupljenim na terenu. Od dve vrste kompleksa prisutne u Srbiji, Anguis fragilis je rasprostranjen u zapadnim i južnim krajevima naše zemlje dok je Anguis colchica prisutan u severoistočnim i istočnim krajevima. U najsevernijim delovima naše zemlje konstatovano je odsustvo obe vrste, zbog nedostatka odgovarajućeg staništa. Nalazi su brojniji u planinsko-kotlinskom regionu i ređi i raštrkaniji u peripanonskom i panonskom regionu, što se delimično može objasniti nesistematskim uzorkovanjem. Lokacija i širina kontaktne zone dve vrste slepića u Srbiji je još uvek nedovoljno poznata. Pretpostavlja se da se pruža duž doline Velike Morave ka jugu a zatim prati granicu između Rodopskog i Karpatsko-Balkanskog planinskog masiva ka jugo-istoku, ali postoje indicije da se hibridna zona nalazi i zapadnije. Postoji izvesno neslaganje, u literaturi, između kontaktne zone predložene na osnovu morfoloških analiza i one predložene na osnovu molekularnih analiza. Ovo ukazuje na potrebu za opsežnijim uzorkovanjem i daljim analizama. Konačno, pošto razdvajanje dve kriptičke vrste slepića do sada nije prepoznato u našoj nomenklaturi, u ovom radu predlažemo zvanične srpske nazive za navedene vrste. Vrsta Anguis fragilis će zadržati standardno srpsko ime "Slepić", dok za vrstu Anguis colchica predlažemo ime "Istočni slepić".

15 June 2026 in North-Western Journal of Zoology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
GĆGlorija Ćirković
Glorija Ćirković
Aleksandra B. RakonjacAleksandra B. Rakonjac
Aleksandra B. Rakonjac
RARastko Ajtić
Rastko Ajtić
The decline in consumer diversity in freshwater ecosystems is accelerating. Being both prey and predator in these ecosystems and dependent on aquatic habitats due to their complex life histories, amphibians are more vulnerable to pollution and global warming than other vertebrates. The life cycle of anuran amphibians includes a specific larval stage tadpole. During metamorphosis, tadpoles undergo dramatic changes in morphology, behavior, and diet, primarily accompanied by a transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial habitat. Consequently, anurans are important members of food webs and a link between these two habitats. Despite that, there is insufficient data on their nutrition, and understanding the nutritional requirements of a specific species or its developmental stage is essential for population survival. The primary aim of our study was to gather data on the nutritional types, feeding behaviors, and diets of tadpoles from several localities in the Republic of Serbia. Rana temporaria, R. dalmatina, and R. graeca are widely distributed in Serbia, occupying various habitats. We collected 572 tadpoles of these three species across 10 different localities and analyzed their intestinal contents. The results indicated quite diverse diets within and among species. The dominant food items were algae (especially diatoms), followed by detritus and pollen; some inorganic particles, such as microplastics, were also found. Animal prey was rarely found but was present in the intestinal content of some samples. These results significantly enhance understanding of tadpole nutrition and represent the first findings in our country with such a large sample size. Additionally, they provide an important foundation for future research.

1 January 2024 in Kragujevac Journal of Science
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GĆGlorija Ž. Ćirković
Glorija Ž. Ćirković
RARastko Ajtić
Rastko Ajtić
The amphibian and reptile species inhabiting the Mojstirsko-Draške Mountains have not been thoroughly studied yet. From 2013 to 2018, a comprehensive field study effort documented a total of 20 species, comprising eight amphibian species and 12 reptile species. Based on Sorensen's coefficient of similarity, this area closely resembles other locations in the Republic of Serbia. The presence of species was determined through direct observation of adult or larval forms, identification of distinctive markings, and the detection of clusters of deposited eggs or larvae. The majority of documented amphibian and reptile species are subject to severe protection under national laws, mostly due to various anthropogenic influences that contribute to their declining populations. The results given are preliminary, although they make a substantial contribution to the understanding of the local fauna. Additional field research must be conducted, and a system of active monitoring should be implemented.

1 January 2024 in Kragujevac Journal of Science
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RARastko Ajtić
Rastko Ajtić
SNSonja Z. Nikolić
Sonja Z. Nikolić
ASAleksandar B. Simović
Aleksandar B. Simović
GĆGlorija Ž. Ćirković
Glorija Ž. Ćirković
Batracho- and herpetofauna of the Golija Mountain have not yet been sufficiently explored. During nine years of research, a total of 22 species of amphibians and reptiles were recorded in the Nature Park "Golija", and in the area of the "GolijaStudenica" Biosphere Reserve, which comprises 45.83% of all autochthonous amphibians and reptiles in Serbia. The presence of the species was ascertained by direct or indirect observation. Some species were recorded for the first time. Most species have the status of strictly protected. Sorensen's similarity coefficient had high values between Golija Mt. and all compared areas. The presented data are not final, but they significantly contribute to the knowledge of the fauna of these areas. It is necessary to establish long-term research and a system of active or passive monitoring.

1 January 2025 in Kragujevac Journal of Science
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
RARastko Ajtić
Rastko Ajtić
SNSonja Nikolić
Sonja Nikolić
In the past decade, multiple incidents have been documented involving the presence of venomous snakes in urban regions of Serbia, where these animals are typically absent. We analyzed the confirmed cases in major cities such as Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, Kragujevac, and Kraljevo, along with occurrences in smaller towns. The snake species involved was the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes), which often "hitchhikes" vehicles returning from nature; the alternative - escaped captives - was highly improbable. These incidents most often ended with no bites to humans. Public reactions usually included fear and panic. Successful interventions by experts from faculties, institutes, or local snake handlers prevented bites or the establishment of breeding populations in urban areas. We addressed the ecological impacts of habitat disruption/urbanization, shifts in biodiversity, and interactions between humans and wildlife. Ongoing monitoring, public education, and establishment of educated communal services and response protocols are essential to reduce risks to both humans and these protected reptiles.

1 January 2026 in Medicinska istrazivanja
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SPSladjana Pavić
Sladjana Pavić
BTBranko Tomić
Branko Tomić
ANAleksa Novković
Aleksa Novković
RARastko Ajtić
Rastko Ajtić
SNSonja Nikolić
Sonja Nikolić
Introduction: Snakebites can lead to a wide range of clinical manifestations, from local tissue effects to systemic complications, including rhabdomyolysis, coagulopathy, acute kidney injury, neurological, and cardiac events. Although snakebites in Western Serbia are generally not a major public health issue, severe cases may occur, with potentially fatal outcomes. Patient review: We report the case of a 71-year-old man bitten by Vipera ammodytes in Bajina Bašta, Western Serbia. He was presented with fatigue, vomiting, and swelling of the left hand one hour after the bite. His past medical history included diabetes mellitus, ischemic stroke, and cerebral aneurysm repair. On admission, he was hypotensive and dehydrated, with a local hematoma and thrombocytopenia. He received antivenom, corticosteroids, Dopamine, antibiotics, and supportive care. Despite initial stabilization, the patient developed acute respiratory distress, acute kidney injury, hypotension, and peripheral cyanosis, requiring mechanical ventilation and dual inotropic support. Laboratory findings indicated coagulopathy and rising markers of organ injury. Despite intensive management, the patient succumbed to complications. Conclusion: This represents the first reported fatal snakebite in Western Serbia in the past 30 years. The primary pathogenic mechanism was likely disseminated intravascular coagulation triggered by the venom. This case highlights the importance of prolonged clinical and laboratory monitoring, timely supportive therapy, and awareness of potentially severe systemic complications following snakebites.